Newsletter

⁉️ Too close to call

Newsletter for Wednesday, Mar 14 2018

Happy Pi Day, Pittsburgh

It was expected to be close. But the special election for Pennsylvania's 18th Congressional District turned out to be closer than almost anyone expected. Major outlets including the Associated Press said overnight that the race was too close to call with Democrat Conor Lamb and Republican Rick Saccone within less than one percentage point of each other and with absentee ballots still being tabulated. The lead, however slight, was held by Lamb who declared himself the winner in a speech to supporters late Tuesday evening. Saccone, meanwhile, was refusing to concede, saying "We're going to fight all the way to the end." Pennsylvania does not have automatic recounts in congressional elections. Instead, supporters of the losing candidate would have to request one. It wasn't immediately clear if and when that might happen.

Pittsburgh-area students will join students across the country in a school walkout today, one month after the Parkland shooting, to protest gun violence and advocate for school safety, WTAE reported. The walkout will last 17 minutes, one minute for each victim in the shooting at Marjory Douglas Stoneman High School in Florida. More than a dozen local schools will participate, per TribLive. Another walkout is planned for April 20, and a Pittsburgh company is partnering with the National School Walkout to make two T-shirts, one which reads "We are victims, we are students, we are change," which are available to order until 8 tonight.

In response to the idea to close the longest runway at Pittsburgh International Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration expressed "very significant safety and efficiency concerns," the Post-Gazette reported, after obtaining an airport document through a Freedom of Information Act request. The Allegheny County Airport Authority told the PG that the “jury is out” on whether the runway will be closed and that safety is key.

Featured Event

Celebrate Pi Day by competing in Sewickley Public Library's pie baking contest. An expert panel of judges will pick the best. And if you just want to eat a slice (or two or three or 3.14), it's $2 per piece. Be sure to register online in advance to enter.

The Incline Likes

Code & Supply, a local network for software professionals, is known for its meet-ups and conferences. And for the first time, Code & Supply will host a conference focusing strictly on mental health and communication at work — Heartifacts. This time, it’s not just for those working in tech, it’s for anyone facing burnout and other mental health challenges. Read more about the talks for attendees and how you can go.

Maybe you're just not feeling the kegs and eggs this year. Or maybe Guinness is never your thing. Fear not, you can still bedeck yourself in green clothing and celebrate St. Patrick's Day — even without alcohol. After all, the celebration began as somber, prayerful occasion, according to history.com. From attending fundraisers to making crafts to geocaching, here are 9 booze-free (or booze-light) ways to celebrate on Saturday.